Minibus Britain Terms and Conditions
IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Please read the following carefully before booking a tour with us. MiniBus Britain is hereafter referred to as “we”.
We do not tolerate any use of illegal substances on our tours. If you should attempt to enter the UK or re-enter the US with illegal substances in your possession and/or are detained for possession or use of illegal substances during the tour, our responsibility will end immediately. We will be under no obligation for any refund, compensation or loss you may incur.
It takes a minimum of 8 persons to confirm and schedule a tour. If we do not have the required number of bookings 160 days prior to departure, the tour will be cancelled and your deposits refunded, hence, when you book with us, please do not purchase your airline tickets until we confirm the tour is scheduled. We will notify you when the required minimum of tour seats are booked.
At Minibus Britain, we take our obligations seriously. The booking conditions below set out as clearly as possible our responsibilities when you make (and we accept) a booking. By signing the booking form you are agreeing to the conditions set out here.
BOOKING FORM AND DEPOSIT - You must send us the appropriate deposit together with the signed and completed booking form. Your contract comes into existence when we send you the receipt. We will normally expect to confirm your booking within fourteen days of receiving the completed form and deposit. The receipt will show the name and date of the tour, outstanding balance and when it is due.
Please mail your booking form to:
Cheri Thomas
P.O. Box 54
Pine Grove, Calif. 95665
Or you may fax it to Pioneer Travel at (209) 296-5554
All forms of payment shall be in US dollars only. Checks, money orders and cashier’s checks should be made payable to “Pioneer Travel” and mailed to the above address.
In compliance with current privacy laws, we will only use your personal information in connection with the arrangements for your tour. When necessary, only your first and last name will be given to accommodation providers. If we make your airline reservations, it will be necessary to provide them with all information.
BALANCE DUE - The balance of your tour cost must be paid no later than six weeks prior to departure. The date for your final payment will be shown on the confirmation receipt. No reminder will be sent. If you are booking less than eight weeks before departure, you must pay the full amount at the time of booking. If for any reason the balance is not received by the due date and you have not contacted us to make arrangements, we reserve the right to treat your booking as cancelled.
IF YOU CANCEL YOUR TOUR – Cancellation of booking is only effective when received, in writing, from the person who signed the booking form. We will always try to take your circumstances into consideration but you must understand that where any journey involves scheduled services, we may have paid out deposits that are non-refundable to us. A refund of your money will be based on the following schedule.
Period before Departure date:
90 days + = 100%
60-89 days = 80%
40-59 days = 70%
30-39 days = 50%
10-29 days = 10
0 - 9 days = 0%
IF WE CANCEL THE TOUR – If we cancel your booking within six weeks of the departure date, for reasons other than those listed below, all monies that you have paid will be returned to you. There are circumstances beyond our control, which may include (but are not limited to) war, threat of war, civil strife, terrorist activities, and natural or nuclear disaster. If your tour is cancelled for one of these reasons, every effort will be made to return your money.
Note that our suppliers have cancellation policies. If cancellation of the tour should fall within 3 days of the scheduled departure date of the tour, we may not be able to get our deposits refunded to us.
PERSONAL INJURY – Minibus Britain is fully insured in case of accident, injury or death deemed caused by negligence. We are not responsible should illness, injury or death occur because of activity that is not part of the tour.
INDEMNITY – We reserve the right to terminate any guest’s tour who exhibits belligerent, erratic or threatening behavior toward any other guest at any time. We will be under no obligation for any refund, compensation or loss you may incur due to cancellation of your contract in this manner. If your actions or those of any member of your party cause damage to the accommodation in which you are staying, to any building, attraction, site visited or rented vehicle in which we are traveling, you agree to fully indemnify us against any claim (including legal costs) made against us by any party.
IF YOU HAVE A COMPLAINT – Complaints must be fully documented in writing and signed by our representative before the matter can be investigated and resolved. We will handle your complaint, promptly, carefully and fairly but cannot accept liability in respect to any claim of which we are not notified.
TRAVEL INSURANCE - We cannot accept liability or obligation for loss of, or damage to, baggage or personal property. We strongly advise that you obtain adequate insurance coverage for all eventualities connected with this trip. This travel insurance should be valid from the time that you book. There are many travel insurance companies available online and we also have the applications available. Please let us know immediately, if you require one. Again, we “strongly” advise the purchase of travel insurance.
PASSPORTS AND VISAS – It is your responsibility to ensure that you meet all passport and/or visa requirements for your tour. You should check with your National Passport Agency for updated information and possible security warnings. If you do not have a passport, you should apply immediately as it could take up to 6-8 weeks to receive. Generally, your county offices will have the applications. We are unable to make any refunds if you have not received your passport/visa by the beginning date of the tour or because your passport/visa is invalid for any reason.
TRAVEL – Smoking is not permitted on our vehicle. However, sufficient stops are programmed so that those who wish to smoke may do so. Please note that any timing, itineraries or other travel details are for your guidance and may be subject to change or delay. We provide frequent comfort stops along the way.
TOUR DESCRIPTION - We make every effort to ensure that our tour information is accurate, however, circumstances beyond our control may make it necessary to change some arrangements. We cannot accept liability for cancellation or curtailment in these instances. Unless otherwise stated, our prices are “per person” based on sharing twin or double-bedded rooms. Single rooms are available at most accommodations for a supplement. All rooms have en-suite bathroom.
ACCOMMODATIONS – We “do not” choose luxury, 4 or 5 star hotels. Accommodations are chosen among those that reflect the history and character of the area. We prefer Guest Houses and Pubs. We choose nothing with less than a “two star” rating by the British Tourist Authority. When staying in older places like a 17th century Coach Inn, it should be noted that the hallways and stairwells may be narrow, the doors may be shorter and the rooms smaller. We feel that these things are the “character” of the place. All accommodations chosen by us are clean, safe and have met stringent fire and other safety regulations.
SPECIAL REQUESTS – At the time of booking, please be sure to document in writing any special requests relating to rooms, dietary or health matters. We will do our best to meet your request. Please note these requests on the booking form.
HEALTH MATTERS – The sites that we visit generally require walking and stair climbing. We recommend that you consult your family doctor regarding any precautions needed for travel to the United Kingdom and your fitness to travel. Failure to do so may invalidate your travel insurance.
CLIENTS WITH DISABILITIES - We will always do our best to accommodate those who are handicapped or have restricted mobility. It is particularly important that you advise us, in writing, of any disabilities or medical conditions that may affect your tour. If you have a disability, please keep in mind that most of the sites “do” require walking and stair climbing.
